Purpose and Scope

The Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA) is a spiritual community dedicated to the study and practice of nature spirituality, the cultivation of wisdom and learning, and service and connection to the living Earth. Our work is grounded in reverence for nature, personal spiritual development, and the respectful exchange of ideas among members who may follow many different paths of Druid practice.

As a diverse order, this Code of Conduct exists to ensure that AODA remains a respectful, welcoming, and healthy community. This code establishes expectations for member behavior and provides guidance for addressing conduct that harms individuals, groups, or the Order as a whole.

This Code of Conduct applies to all members of the Ancient Order of Druids in America. Specifically, it applies to participation in:

AODA workshops and online events
Online spaces operated by the Order
AODA events and gatherings
Groves, study groups, and affiliated groups operating under the AODA name
Interactions between members conducted in the context of AODA membership or related activities

Note that individual AODA spaces (such as online forums, servers, or local groves) may establish additional policies or guidelines that are consistent with this Code of Conduct.

Expectations for All AODA Members

Members of AODA are expected to contribute to a community rooted in respect, curiosity, and goodwill. All members are expected to contribute to a respectful and supportive community and to follow the policies established by AODA. Members are expected to:

Treat fellow members with courtesy and respect
Support a welcoming environment that honors the diversity of backgrounds, identities, races, cosmology, or personal spiritual interpretations
Engage in discussion and disagreement in good faith
Respect the diversity of Druid practices and traditions within the Order
Follow the policies and moderation guidelines of AODA spaces, events, and groups
Contribute to a culture of learning, creativity, and service to the Earth

Unacceptable Conduct

The following behaviors are inconsistent with the values and ethics of the AODA and may result in moderation, warnings, or removal from the Order. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to:

Harassment, bullying, or intimidation
Discriminatory or derogatory language directed toward individuals or groups
Threats or acts of violence, abuse, retaliation, or harm
Participation in hate groups or hate speech
Persistent disruptive behavior in events or community spaces
Sexual harassment or repeated unwelcome sexual conduct (which may include touching, hugging, etc)
Sharing pornographic or explicit material in AODA spaces
Abuse of authority within the Order
Deadnaming, refusing to use personal pronouns or identity markers
Intentional misrepresentation of AODA leadership, policies, or teachings
Using the name of the Order for commercial gain
Attempts to manipulate, pressure, or coerce members in spiritual or personal matters
Conviction of crimes that demonstrate a disregard for the well-being of others (human or otherwise)
Posting AI-generated content or sharing AI-generated work as your own (AODA is an AI-free space)

In most cases, if you are engaging in unacceptable conduct, we will issue a warning and explain why the behavior was unacceptable. If you persist, we will use our formal Code of Conduct Enforcement policy. For particularly egregious and intentional situations, we will also default to the Code of Conduct Enforcement policy.

A note on politics and partisanship

As a 501.c.3 Organization in the United States, AODA maintains the US requirement of separation between church and state. At the same time, we recognize that everything can be political and there are political issues that druids deeply care about, including environmental advocacy, personal identity advocacy, equity and inclusion, combatting discrimination and oppression, and cultural concerns. We strive to maintain a balance between these two by creating partisanship-free spaces while also respecting individuals’ sovereignty and expression. Thus, we note the difference between politics and partisanship. Political advocacy, partisan debate, or the promotion of political ideologies that perpetuate hate and exclusion is not appropriate in AODA spaces. Discussion related to environmental issues, ethics, identity, and the natural world are acceptable.

Financial Conduct and Paid Spiritual Services

AODA is a non-profit organization, and we take that status seriously. Nobody profits from AODA, and our community and organization is primarily run by volunteers.

Members are welcome to share their creative work, scholarship, publications, or projects with the community in the same spirit that members share bardic arts, writing, or other personal creations. We help promote relevant work members are producing when that work is in line with the goals of the order in our newsletter and online spaces.

However, AODA is a spiritual and educational community, not a marketplace. Members may not:

Advertise paid services or take payment from other members within AODA spaces for spiritual services, readings, rituals, or teachings.
Advertise their personal business as ‘AODA endorsed’ or otherwise utilize the Order’s name for advertising purposes without explicit permission of the AODA.
Advertise commercial spiritual or other services within AODA spaces, except where they are explicitly permitted.
Pressure or encourage other members to purchase goods or services.

This policy exists to maintain appropriate boundaries between spiritual community and financial exchange.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and AI Creations

AODA places strong value on human creativity, reflection, and spiritual engagement with the natural world. We see the act of creation as divine and sacred, and recognize that the Awen, following inspiration, is a core part of our path. Thus, we value and cultivate human spiritual and creative expression and support that expression in AODA.

Generative AI should not be used to produce writing, images, music, or other creative work are not permitted in AODA spaces and activities tied to the work of the order, including work for AODA degrees.

If a member is found to use AI in their work for AODA degrees, that work will not be counted toward the curriculum; attempts to characterize AI-generated work as one’s own will be treated as plagiarism and will be subject to our Code of Conduct Enforcement policy.

Likewise, members should not post AI-generated work in our forums or public spaces: any and all AI–generated work is not welcome in our spaces. Additionally, AI-generated work is not permitted in submissions for AODA’s publications.

Individual members in AODA are welcome to do whatever they choose in their own lives with respect to engaging or not with AI, but not as part of bardic practices or written work that is tied to advancing within our tradition or sharing in our online spaces.

Leadership and Ethics in the AODA and Deeper Responsibility

All members are expected to follow this Code of Conduct. Those who hold positions of responsibility within the Order are held to higher standards of conduct. These positions include moderators, mentors, Grand Grove members, clergy, group leaders, or Archdruids, and others when identified.. Leadership roles within AODA exist to support the growth and well-being of members, not to elevate personal authority or ego.

Moderators

Members who assist with the administration of events or online spaces are expected to:

Model respectful behavior and help diffuse difficult situations
Apply rules fairly and consistently
Avoid favoritism or misuse of authority
Support a welcoming environment for all members

Mentors

Members who serve as mentors within AODA provide guidance, encouragement, and spiritual support to other members. Because mentorship involves a relationship of trust, mentors are expected to exercise particular care in maintaining healthy and respectful boundaries.

Mentors are expected to:

Offer guidance in a spirit of service rather than authority
Respect the autonomy and personal spiritual path of the member they are mentoring
Avoid creating relationships of dependency or undue influence
Maintain appropriate personal and emotional boundaries
Avoid using mentorship relationships for personal, financial, or social gain

Mentors should not present themselves as holding spiritual authority over those they mentor. The role of a mentor is to support learning and growth, not to direct or control another person’s spiritual development.

Group, Nemeton, and Grove Leaders

Members who lead home circles, Nemetons, or Groves or organize group events that include AODA members, carry additional responsibility. They are expected to:

Avoid harassment, coercion, or manipulation
Avoid using their position for personal influence, authority, or gain
Foster respectful communities to encourage growth of all members
Respond constructively to concerns or criticism

Grand Grove Members

Members of the Grand Grove hold a high level of responsibility and visibility within the Order and help organize various aspects of member support. They are expected to:

Act in the best interests of the Order and its members
Maintain integrity and transparency in decision-making
Avoid abuse of authority or conflicts of interest
Address ethical concerns responsibly and in a timely manner
Support fair and consistent enforcement of community standards

Archdruids

The Archdruids serve as the governing body (board of directors) of the Ancient Order of Druids in America and carry the highest level of responsibility for the stewardship, integrity, and well-being of the Order. Because of the authority entrusted to them, Archdruids are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. In addition to the expectations outlined elsewhere in this Code of Conduct, Archdruids are expected to:

Act in the best interests of the Order and its members
Exercise their authority with humility, fairness, and care
Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of personal gain through their position
Respect the autonomy, dignity, and spiritual paths of all members
Address concerns and ethical issues responsibly and without favoritism
Protect the safety and well-being of the community
Work to defuse rather than inflame difficult situations

Archdruids must not use their authority to intimidate, manipulate, silence, or retaliate against members who raise concerns or express disagreement in good faith. Service as an Archdruid is understood as a role of stewardship rather than personal authority. The trust placed in this role exists to safeguard the health, stability, and ethical integrity of the Order.

Any AODA leaders who fail to uphold these responsibilities may be subject to review and removal from leadership roles according to the AODA bylaws: https://aoda.org/aoda-structure/the-aoda-grand-grove/grand-grove-bylaws/

Reporting Concerns

Members who experience or witness conduct that violates this Code are encouraged to report to AODA leadership. Reports should include relevant details and documentation when possible. All reports will be handled with discretion and respect for confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible. Reports may be made to:

Moderators of the relevant community space
Group (Grove, Nemeton, Home Circle) leaders
Event leaders

These folks serve as point persons in leadership in specific spaces and are the first step in resolving a situation. Moderators, group leaders, or event leaders can enforce AODA policy within their spaces.

If an individual or leaders in specific spaces feel that they would like a broader Grand Grove review, they can contact:

Members of the Grand Grove
Archdruids

If a report is escalated to the Grand Grove level, in most cases, the Archdruids or one of their designees will reach out to involved parties and gather more information. They will then collectively review the provided information and perspectives and render a decision.

In the cases of obvious and egregious disregard for the AODA code of conduct, the Archdruids may choose instead to terminate membership without a formal information gathering phase.

In the event that an individual in the Grand Grove has a close and personal relationship with someone in the situation or they are under investigation themselves, it is AODA’s policy that they recuse themselves.

When concerns are reported, AODA leadership will review the situation and determine appropriate action to protect members or the broader community. Responses to violations may include:

Informal mediation and conversations
Warnings or guidance
Moderation of online participation
Removal from specific spaces or events
Removal from leadership roles
Termination of membership

Members serving in leadership positions may be removed from those roles by a majority vote of the Archdruids when necessary to protect the well-being of the Order. The Archdruids have final authority regarding disciplinary decisions affecting membership and leadership within AODA. Archdruids can be removed by a vote by the other Archdruids as per AODA’s bylaws, as described above.

Use of the AODA Name and Conflicts of Interest

Members of the Ancient Order of Druids in America are welcome to identify themselves as members of the Order. We note that AODA druidry is not dogmatic. Each person’s path is unique, and none of us can speak for all druids or speak for all druids in the order. When members are talking about AODA, or sharing with others, it is important to recognize this and honor the diverse paths within druidry.

Members in leadership positions should take particular care to avoid conflicts of interest between their role in the Order and personal, professional, or financial activities. The name, reputation, and resources of AODA should not be used for personal promotion, commercial purposes, or activities that could reasonably create confusion about the position or teachings of the Order. When uncertainty exists about whether an activity may imply official endorsement, members are encouraged to consult with the Archdruids for guidance.